Akal Panthak Morcha protests Jhinda’s appointment as gurdwara panel chief

Members of the Akal Panthak Morcha have raised objections to the appointment of Jagdish Singh Jhinda as the president of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), claiming it was done without a democratic election. Addressing a press conference at Gurudwara Sahib Patshahi Dasvin, they urged the Haryana Government to stay away from internal religious affairs and ensure fairness in committee’s functioning.

The Morcha, formed on January 27 this year in Kaithal by a group of Independent winners after the HSGMC elections, stated that while members were recently elected through a fair and democratic process, the selection of the president did not follow the same transparency.

“If the president had been elected through the proper process, we would have accepted the decision," said Kuldeep Singh, a Morcha member. “But appointing someone without following the rules is not right. We demand a neutral and fair leader for the committee."

The controversy began following a general meeting of the HSGMC on May 23, 2025, where Jagdish Singh Jhinda — a long-standing proponent of a separate management committee for Haryana’s gurdwaras — was appointed as president, sparking dissent from within.

The Morcha alleged that the appointment lacked majority consensus and was imposed without a vote, undermining the democratic values that guided the committee’s formation.

In addition to their concerns about the president’s selection, the group also criticised Sikh preacher Baljit Singh Daduwal for allegedly interfering in committee affairs, particularly during financial audits.

Responding to these allegations, Daduwal dismissed them as baseless. “I have always supported a proper audit,” he said. “It should be fair, transparent and done under the supervision of a judicial committee.”

He also questioned the qualifications of those managing key finances in the past: “How can unqualified people manage financial systems?” he asked. “Those in charge should be well-educated and capable.”

The Morcha revealed that it has already filed two petitions with the Gurdwara Election Commission, demanding a legitimate election for the post of president. Members said they are now planning their next legal steps and are awaiting the outcome of a review of the committee’s constitution.

They emphasised that their campaign will continue until a fair process is ensured. Those present at the press conference included Karamjeet Singh, Gurmej Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Bindra Singh, Prakash Singh, Kaka Singh and Ravinder Singh Rana.

Haryana Tribune